Beer die explained

Beer Die
Other Names:	Snappa
Players:	Two vs. two
Setup Time:	2 minutes
Playing Time:	30 minutes to 2 hours
Skills:	accuracy, hand–eye coordination, reaction time
Materials:	Plywood table, pint glasses or solo cups, dice
Blank Label:	Alcohol used
Blank Data:	Beer

Beer die, or snappa is a table-based drinking game in which opposing players sit or stand at opposite ends and throw a die over a certain height with the goal of either landing the die in their opponent's cup or having the die hit the table and bounce over the scoring area to the floor. The defending team attempts to catch the die one-handed after it hits the table, but before it touches a non-table surface. The game typically consists of two two-player teams with each of the four players having a designated cup on the table, but can also be played one-vs-one.

Basic rules

The Beer Die League website specified the following rules for the game in February 2014, based on a crowdsourced project and research into the history of the game:^[1]

• It is played on a standard sheet of plywood (8by of at least thickness) placed on banquet tables, saw horses or similar objects between 20and. The game uses a standard solo cup (height, diameter). The official dice used for play is the standard Bicycle die, measuring .
• The game is to be played standing up, (sitting down is called Snappa), 2 vs. 2.
• A cup full of water or beer is to be placed from the back, from the side, for each player (hand from back, fist from side).
• The game is played to a particular end score, such as first to five, seven, eleven, or twelve points (win by 2, cap at seven)
• The number 5 must be referred to as bizz, the number 7 must be referred to as buzz.
• One player from each team will roll the die, the team rolling the highest number will be able to choose either side or first toss.
• Players must tap the die before tossing to signal the impending throw.
• The die must be thrown in such a manner that the opposing team does not see the thrower's palm upon release of the die.
• The die must travel higher than from the ground. If the opposing team disputes the height, the shot does not count.
• A point is awarded if the die hits the table and bounces off the defensive side of the table without being properly caught.
• The defending team may catch the die to nullify potential points scored. The die must be caught with one hand (juggling is permitted) but must not be trapped between any surface or body part or a point is awarded. Once the die comes in contact with the floor or stops moving, the play is dead and a point is awarded. Leaving the chair to catch the die is permitted. Players may not reach over the plane of the table to catch the die.
• If the die strikes the cup on a toss, this is a "plink" (also "body" or "ting"): the die is dead and no points can be awarded.
• If the die is thrown into the opposing team’s cup, this is a "plunk", "sink" or "sploosh": the throwing team is awarded one point and the thrower is permitted to sign the table. Each additional plunk is awarded a tally under their name.
• If a team shoots out of turn, the toss is negated and the team loses their next shot.
• A designated "god" referee has a final say in disputes.

Drinking

When played as a drinking game, players are required to take drinks when certain events occur, or fail to occur. The Beer Die League website specifies that the following rules are used:^[1]

Snappa

The standing variant of beer die was originally developed from the drinking game Snappa. The variant known as Snappa is played seated, with a chair at each corner of the table.^[2]

Other variants

• Players may be required to take all drinks with their left hand.^[3]

See also

• List of drinking games

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tournament Rules — Beer Die. 16 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160316184551/http://www.beerdieleague.com/tournament-rules/. 2016-03-16.
2. Book: Applebaum . Ben . DiSorbo . Dan . The Book of Beer Awesomeness: A Champion's Guide to Party Skills, Amazing Beer Activities, and More Than Forty Drinking Games . 2012 . Chronicle Books . 9781452113197 . 132 . 10 October 2019 . en.
3. News: Ryan . Brent . MacLeay . Dave . Beer Die: The Official Game of Colby College Rules and Regulations . 25 May 2023 . Colby College . 9 May 1996.